The next day, Shin'un appeared on the street fully equipped and looked solemnly toward the Ninja Academy.
After all, today was the graduation exam.
Although Shin'un was absolutely confident he could pass the test, graduating from the Ninja Academy was definitely a day worth commemorating for a shinobi. When he left home, he had still decided to go fully equipped as a show of respect.
Besides, barring any surprises, he would have his photo taken after passing the test, to be used on his future shinobi identification.
If he did not make himself look good today, he would regret it for the rest of his life.
Entering the Ninja Academy, Shin'un headed straight for the training field.
Yesterday, shortly before school ended, Mizukawa Masaru had already explained the procedure for today's exam.
To sum it up in one sentence: go to the training field and follow the instructions of the teachers there.
"Reporting in!"
Reaching the edge of the training field, Shin'un found one of the teachers present and loudly announced his class and name.
"All right, come with me. I'll take you to the testing area."
With that, the teacher, whom Shin'un did not recognize, turned to lead the way.
Shin'un followed closely behind.
Soon, they reached the target range Shin'un knew well, and the teacher slowly came to a stop.
"We'll now test your ninja tool throwing."
"You have five throws. Your final score will be the average of those five attempts."
"There are no restrictions on the type of ninja tool. You may use the tools we have prepared, or bring your own if you're more comfortable with them."
"Begin."
The rules the teacher explained were very simple, just the usual rules for throwing ninja tools.
But hearing this unfamiliar teacher explain them with such an extremely serious expression added a touch of tension out of nowhere.
Shin'un could not help perking up as well, wanting to complete the test with the best possible score.
With his right hand, he drew five kunai from the ninja tool pouch he had brought and held them.
As he focused, the extraordinary reflexes and terrifying powers of observation granted by his skill, [Extreme Reaction], immediately kicked in, making everything before his eyes abruptly stand still.
With this perspective, everything Shin'un did would become easier.
Whoosh!
After Shin'un's careful observation, the five kunai left his hand and shot toward the bull's-eye on a distant tree, their blades slicing through the air with a series of shrill whistles.
Thunk!
Five consecutive sounds rang out as the kunai struck the wooden target, revealing the final result.
The teacher Shin'un did not recognize went over to the wooden target to inspect the results.
"Five bull's-eyes. Full marks!"
Shin'un was unsurprised by the final score announced. After all, throwing kunai was one of the most basic shinobi skills.
Shin'un had stopped making kunai throwing a primary focus of his training several years ago.
Standing where he was, Shin'un waited for the next test.
As Shin'un saw it, this was an early graduation assessment, after all, so it had to be somewhat difficult. He might have to go through several tests and finally spar with a Genin who had mission experience.
There was no way it would only test something as simple as ninja tool throwing!
"You've passed. Go to the Ninja Academy auditorium to have your photo taken and collect your forehead protector and shinobi identification."
The examiner's voice rang out. His words left Shin'un stunned for a moment, while his mind went into turmoil.
What? One ninja tool throwing test is enough to graduate early?
Is the Konoha High Command really making no attempt to hide that they intend to use so many Ninja Academy students as cannon fodder?
Or do they want them to graduate early, get used to real shinobi life, and gain mission experience?
So they can make better cannon fodder in the future?
Shin'un stood there in shock, astonished by the Konoha High Command's sheer openness.
However, Shin'un could not change the situation. He could only walk toward the Ninja Academy auditorium with a frown.
He would collect his forehead protector and shinobi identification first.
Rounding a corner, Shin'un immediately widened his eyes at the long line of Ninja Academy students outside the auditorium a short distance away. He had thought collecting his forehead protector, taking his photo, and receiving his shinobi identification would be quick. He had not expected so many people at the entrance.
With no other choice, Shin'un could only walk to the very end of the line and slowly wait his turn, letting time pass.
"Shin'un!"
Just as he reached the back of the line, Shin'un suddenly heard someone calling his name from a distance.
Looking over, he immediately spotted people from his class in the middle of the long line.
Mikoto, Shiina Kō, Kushina, Shikaku, Chōza, Fugaku... a whole group of his classmates were all standing together.
"Did you all... agree to come together?"
"What agreement? I just got here early. I pulled every one of them into the line myself."
Hearing Kushina's words, Shin'un immediately widened his eyes and glanced at the people waiting behind them.
Their expressions clearly showed they were angry but did not dare say anything.
His mouth twitching, Shin'un could not help marveling at Kushina's standing in the Ninja Academy.
Thanks to his suggestion back then, Kushina had brought the Third Hokage to stroll around the Ninja Academy, so she was not frequently ostracized as she had been in the original story.
But Kushina's lively, energetic disposition was innate, and in the end, she had still earned the nickname Red Hot Habanero at the Ninja Academy.
"Are you coming or not? I've already made room for you."
Kushina's voice snapped Shin'un out of his thoughts, and he looked at her standing in the line.
Kushina frowned and glared at the Ninja Academy student behind her, who immediately bent over with a broad smile and made room for one person.
Looking at the indignant expressions of the people at the back of the line, Shin'un was still hesitating when a sudden, tremendous force on his arm pulled him straight into the line.
"Why do you always have so much to say?"
Kushina seemed to lack the patience to wait. Seeing Shin'un still hesitating, she simply reached out and pulled him into the line.
She did not pull him beside her, but behind Shiina Kō, with Mikoto between Shiina Kō and herself.
Steadying himself, Shin'un could only turn back and glare speechlessly at Kushina to express his anger, though skipping half the line and getting his forehead protector sooner did feel pretty good...
"Shin'un-kun!"
Shiina Kō, who stood in front of Shin'un, was extremely excited to have him behind her, her eyes immediately curving into happy little crescents.
With his keen powers of observation, Shin'un also noticed Shiina Kō secretly making a heart gesture toward Kushina behind him, seemingly thanking her for her help.
Taking a deep breath, Shin'un saw Shiina Kō standing in front of him with her head lowered, faltering as though she wanted to say something.
"What do you want to say?"
Shin'un's voice gave Shiina Kō quite a fright.
She took several deep breaths, seemingly encouraging herself, then lowered her head and asked Shin'un a question.
"Shin'un, may I ask if you have any free time tomorrow?"
Shiina Kō spoke quietly, as though muttering to herself. If not for Shin'un's keen senses, he might not have been able to make out what she said.
"Sorry. You know how tense things have been in the Shinobi World lately. I'm afraid we might be sent straight to the battlefield after graduation. Under the circumstances, I don't know whether I'll have any time tomorrow either."
Shin'un's words, carrying a faint hint of rejection, left Shiina Kō somewhat disappointed.
"It's all right. Next time would be fine too."
When inviting Shin'un earlier, Shiina Kō had seemed very shy and bashful. Now that she had been turned down, she instead became composed and at ease, smiling as she steered the conversation away from what she had just said.